alibi
1. A claim or proof that one was elsewhere when an alleged act took place, used as a defense against an accusation
The suspect's alibi was that he was at home watching television when the crime occurred.
O álibi do suspeito era que ele estava em casa assistindo televisão quando o crime ocorreu.
2. An excuse or justification offered to avoid blame or responsibility for something
He used traffic as an alibi for arriving late to the meeting.
Ele usou o trânsito como álibi para chegar atrasado à reunião.
The term 'álibi' is widely used in Brazilian Portuguese in both legal proceedings and everyday conversation. In formal contexts, it refers specifically to evidence or testimony proving one's whereabouts during a crime. In casual usage, Brazilians often use it metaphorically to mean any convenient excuse, reflecting a somewhat cynical view of justifications offered for various situations.
Related Idioms & Phrases
ter um álibi sólido (to have a solid alibi)
comprovar o álibi (to prove one's alibi)
usar como álibi (to use as an excuse)
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